Barcelona midfielder Gavi has rejected reports of a possible departure for his teammate Ronald Araujo, insisting that the central midfielder has no interest in leaving the club.
Amid reports of contract negotiations stalling, it was claimed that Araujo had already done so agreed to join Juventus on loanbefore Arsenal joined the race for the signature of the Uruguayan international.
However, the narrative turned upside down on Wednesday when it emerged Araujo had agreed to the terms of a contract extension with Barcelonawho celebrated the occasion with a 5-1 win over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey.
Gavi, who scored in the emphatic win, moved to shut down speculation after the final whistle.
“A lot of journalists make up stories,” Gavi told the media. “Araujo wants to stay and I’m sure he will.”
Araujo’s importance to the team was then underlined Íñigo Martínez limped off injured in the Super Cup victory over Real Madrid, opening the door for him to make his first significant start of the season against Betis.
“I think he has a contract for another year and a half. So I never doubted it,” coach Hansi Flick said after the final whistle. “I don’t know, I’m glad he’s here. I’m glad he’s here and we’ll see what the future holds.
“He’s doing well at the moment. Today you can also see that the fans appreciate his return. And of course, the team too. He’s giving us something special.”
